Polls

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

The Oregon Commissioner of Labor and Industries election was held on November 6, 2012. Incumbent Brad Avakian defeated challenger Bruce Starr to win re-election. Avakian was first appointed to the position in April 2008 and elected in November 2008. The election was for a two year term, but only for the 2012 election. Andrea Cantu-Schomus, spokeswoman for the secretary of state's office, explained this move was intended to set up a standard where each election includes some statewide offices.[5][6]

Election moved to November

At the beginning of the campaign season the candidates for Commissioner of Labor and Industries assumed the election would take place on May 15, 2012 during the state's primary election. Election officials, however, said a 2009 law passed by the legislature required the election to take place in November. Commissioner Avakian stated, "We thought the election was in May. My opponent thought the election was in May. Everybody thought the election was in May. It seems clear now that's not the case."[5]

In March, Sen. Starr sought a temporary restraining order that would have forced the Secretary of State to put the labor commissioner race on the May 15 ballot. Circuit Court Judge Steven Price rejected the move, saying Starr couldn't show he would be likely to win on the legal merits of the case.[7]

Polls

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.